Judges from across Wisconsin recently gathered in Fond du Lac to deepen their understanding of digital evidence and its implications under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. The Digital Evidence Boot Camp, an intensive three-day program, was held in late February at the Hotel Retlaw. The program provided a hands-on approach to examining search, seizure, and privacy issues in an era of rapidly advancing technology.
Modeled after the National Computer Forensic Institute's judicial training and developed by the Wisconsin Office of Judicial Education, the course featured nationally recognized experts who led discussions on topics such as warrant review, admissibility of digital evidence, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in legal proceedings. Judges engaged in interactive exercises exploring geofence warrants, third-party consent, and the reasonable expectation of privacy in the digital age.
A highlight of the event was a group dinner featuring special guest Justice Rebecca F. Dallet, who shared insights on the increasing complexities of digital evidence in the courtroom. Participants reported that the program provided valuable tools for navigating the fast-changing legal landscape and enhancing judicial decision-making in cases involving digital data.
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